Blink and you might have missed it. During Saturday night’s preseason clash between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks, a new star emerged in the Steel City. Fourth-round rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston didn’t just show up in the Steelers’ 27-17 win. He looked like a player on a mission, and ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit couldn’t stop raving about him.
Boston finished the night with a game-high 4 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown on 5 targets. But the stats only scratch the surface. His 34-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter was the kind of play that makes general managers look like geniuses. Beating Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett on a deep post route, Boston hauled in the pass over his shoulder in stride. That ball-tracking ability? You can’t teach it.
Herbstreit was visibly fired up during the broadcast. He called Boston’s skill set “a rare blend of burst and body control” and warned defensive coordinators that he’s “going to be a problem sooner than later.” For a rookie in his first NFL action, that kind of praise from one of football’s most respected voices carries real weight.
📊 119.6 passer rating when targeted - Boston's efficiency in his debut would make even seasoned veterans jealous.
Why Herbstreit's Praise Matters: From Washington to the NFL
The College Tape Translates
Herbstreit didn’t just stumble upon Boston’s name in the game notes. He referenced Boston’s 2025 season at Washington - 62 catches, 1,107 yards, and 10 touchdowns - as proof this wasn’t a one-hit wonder. The production was real in college, and now it’s translating to the pros faster than anyone predicted.
The Steelers clearly saw something special when they grabbed Boston in the fourth round back in May. After just one preseason outing, it’s looking like they might have found a steal. Boston played 28 offensive snaps (44% of the team’s plays) and ran 21 routes, generating an eye-popping 119.6 passer rating when targeted. Those efficiency numbers would make even grizzled veterans jealous.
| Metric | Total |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 4 |
| Receiving Yards | 78 |
| Touchdowns | 1 |
| Targets | 5 |
| Offensive Snaps | 28 (44%) |
| Routes Run | 21 |
The Receiving Corps Shake-Up
Here’s where things heat up for the Steelers’ depth chart. Boston currently sits third behind George Pickens and rookie first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, but he’s already leapfrogged veterans Calvin Austin III and Quez Watkins in the battle for the WR3 role. That’s a big deal for a fourth-round pick, and it says a lot about how the coaching staff views his ceiling.
Head coach Mike Tomlin, never one to toss around empty compliments, echoed Herbstreit’s take after the game: “He did the things we saw on tape at Washington. The separation is real, and he tracks the deep ball naturally.” When Tomlin starts talking about a rookie’s “natural” abilities, Steelers fans should pay attention.
What's Next for Boston and the Steelers' Offense
Russell Wilson's New Weapon
Quarterback Russell Wilson, who tossed the touchdown pass to Boston, was quick to praise the rookie’s maturity: “He has that young energy, but he’s not playing like a rookie. He’s detailed in his routes.” That’s high praise from a Super Bowl-winning signal-caller who’s seen plenty of talented receivers come and go.
The chemistry between Wilson and Boston is worth tracking as the preseason rolls on. Pittsburgh’s offense has needed a reliable secondary option behind Pickens for years, and Boston’s ability to win downfield could open up everything underneath for Egbuka and the tight ends. If this connection keeps building, the Steelers’ passing attack might be more dangerous than anyone expected.
📊 $4.85 million rookie deal - Boston's four-year contract is a bargain considering his immediate impact potential.
Bigger Role on the Horizon
Boston’s performance hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff. Expect to see increased first-half reps when the Steelers travel to Buffalo to face the Bills on Saturday, August 22, at 7:00 PM ET. That’s a crucial test against a Bills defense that loves mixing up coverages and challenging young receivers.
All of this comes with Boston still on his standard four-year, $4.85 million rookie deal - a bargain considering what he’s already shown. No contract adjustments or trade rumors are swirling; the Steelers are simply letting their rookie develop and prove he belongs in the NFL’s fast lane.
